Issue 6 / February 2009 Editorial message
My Perspective
on the future
Welcome to our latest edition of
Perspectives on the future, the
About Perspectives
periodical that aims to provide
on the future
some insights on technology
Perspectives on the future provides
February 2009: Content Outline
and business trends of interest in-depth analysis and opinion on
to our industry.
technology and business trends to
stimulate thinking and promote debate.
It is published by Research and
Innovation, Group Architecture &
4
Crunch time for CSR
12
Perspectives interview Cool Heads & Common Business Improvement in Manufacturing.
Will Corporate Social
with Keith MacDonald
20
Arguably now more than ever it is important to keep an eye on the
Sense – Banking goes emerging technologies, external influences and strategic trends that
Thanks for taking the time to provide
Responsibility activities
– Social Media Revisited back to basics
might shape our future. Our article on Cool Heads & Common Sense
feedback on issue 5. It’s always
fall victim to the financial
(also available in DVD format)
Peter Farley, Financial
provides predictions, courtesy of Financial Insights, into the top agenda
appreciated and helps us shape
future issues.
constraints organisations Ben Schreiner speaks to Insights, considers the
items in banking technology following the chain of events since the fall
find themselves in? Can they Keith MacDonald, partner, difficulties facing modern
of Lehman brothers in September.
afford to be actively shaping Capco about progress in banks today. This article
Re-visiting a theme from previous issues, there is more compelling
Call to Authors
their policy around CSR? social media in Financial identifies the key themes and
insight into the impact of social media on the way we live our lives and
Can they actually afford Services during the past outlines where the practical
The articles for Perspectives are largely
written by staff within RBS – we’d love
not to do so? It could be year. Keith provides his view focus needs to be to rebuild
run our businesses. As Barack Obama settles into his presidency, we
to have more authors – so if you have
a key factor in rebuilding on the trends and shares for the future.
discuss the role Web 2.0 played in his electoral campaign – blogs,
an idea for an article please contact
corporate reputations. examples of adoption in
Facebook, YouTube even X-box played a role! An interview with Keith
Rhona Dalgarno or email with details of
retail financial services.
MacDonald of Capco presents another perspective on the trends in the topic you’d like to contribute or read
social media in financial services.
about in future issues.
8
From SOA to plug’n’play
From SOA to Plug and Play provides insight into the potential benefits
The introduction of Service
The role of social
networks in the run
of Service Oriented Architecture in delivering a more agile way to run
Oriented Architecture model
16
for presidency
12Rhona.Dalgarno@rbs.co.uk
+ 44 (0)131 523 3507
businesses and you can also read our debate on the importance of
promised a simpler and more
Corporate Social Responsibility for organisations during this time of
agile way to join up business On the 20th January 2009,
financial constraints.
systems. Dougie McNeill Barack Hussain Obama II
considers whether this claim took his seat as the 44th
I’d like to personally thank our authors, who have contributed these
is now reality, whether president of the world’s most
articles to share knowledge and perspectives across the group.
plug’n’play systems are powerful nation. This article
I hope you enjoy this 6th issue of Perspectives on the future.
attainable today, what the examines Obama’s online
Feedback on our articles is always very welcome– please keep it
challenges are and how campaign strategy, and
coming and help us shape future issues. If there are any topics you’d
change will be driven. considers how the success
of this campaign can provide
like to explore further, or if you have ideas for future articles, please let
lessons for the use of Web
me know.
2.0 technology in business.
Perspectives in Print
4 16
and DVD formats